Butler - The Fishing Pole Caddy

ABSTRACT

The Butler allows fisherman to safely and economically transport up to five fully equipped fishing rods in either the interior or exterior of a vehicle, or with the use of an arm strap. Additionally, rather than allowing rods to rest on the ground and be damaged, the Butler serves as a fishing rod holder while fishing or at rest. Then, when the fishing trip is concluded, the user can simply rinse the rods and Butler then store them in a closet or garage.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

None

SEQUENCE LISTING

None

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a Fishing Rod Holder, specifically a device that offers:

-   -   Transporting poles atop a vehicle     -   A pole carrier to move poles to and from your favorite fishing         spot     -   A resting spot for poles while not in use     -   A rod holder while at the beach, lake or pier     -   Easy Storage when the fishing trip is complete

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the Holder collapsed and ready for transport atop a vehicle

FIG. 2 shows the Holder erect and loaded with rods.

FIG. 3 is a view taken from the right side of the Fishing Rod Holder. This view shows the holder in a collapsed state, ready for transport atop a vehicle or with the use of the Arm Strap (FIG. 3.11)

FIG. 4 is a user's view taken on the left side of the Fishing Rod Holder. The view shows the holder in an erect state ready to be used as a resting place for inactive rods, or rods actively being used.

FIG. 5 is also a user's view taken on the left side of the Fishing Rod Holder. This view illustrates a land and pier anchoring device (5.1) a fish measuring guide (5.2) and Rod Holder Cord for hanging the Holder in a collapsed state after use (5.3).

FIG. 6 illustrates both the frontal and right side of the holder, complete with dimension for each perspective.

FIG. 7 illustrates the Butlers telescopic ability to adjust to the length of the Fishing Rods. By pulling out or pushing in the Upper Holder Rest, the Butler will adjust to the length of the Fishing Rod

FIG. 8 illustrates the product in its shipping state complete with the connecting screws and wing nuts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

FIGS. 1 and 2 both give a high level illustration of the Holder. FIG. 1 shows a collapsed and transportable Holder. This can be accomplished by strapping the Holder atop your car or mini-van, or by manually carrying it with the use of the Arm Strap. FIG. 2 shows the Holder in an erect form. In this state a user could use it to hold rods that are rigged but not ready for use, or it can be used by placing one or two rods on the stands and utilizing it while you are fishing.

FIG. 3 is also a collapsed perspective taken from the right side of the Fishing Rod Holder. In this state, the Holder would be used to transport the rods to or from your desired fishing or camping spot. Whether it's by hand in conjunction with the Arm Strap (FIG. 3.11), or atop a vehicle, the Rod Holder Holes and Straps (FIG. 3.1-3.5) and the Rod Holder Rests and Tie Downs (3.6-3.10) ensure the safe transport of the Rods. The Padded Rests (FIG. 3.12-3.15) serve as a safe cushion between your vehicle and The Rod Holder, or by hand, after the arrival the Arm Strap (3.11) can be used to transport the Rod Holder. FIG. 4 is taken from a left frontal view of an erected Rod Holder. In this erected state, the user can place the rods in the holder holes (4.1-4.5) and the Holder rests (4.6-4.10). It will keep unused rods out of harms way or can be used as a holder while rigging a new line. Each Fishing Rod Holder has non-skid rubber feet (4.11 and 4.12) to prevent slippage on smooth surfaces.

FIG. 5 is also taken from a left frontal view of an erected Rod Holder. This illustration shows that, while fishing, the Rod Holder can be anchored (5.1) to the ground or pier when used as a Fishing Rod Holder. The Fish Measuring Tool (5.2) allows a fisherman to measure their catch up to 30 inches. And the Rod Holder Cord (5.3) allows for a collapsed Rod Holder to be hung for storage when not in use.

FIG. 6 illustrates measurements from a frontal view and from a left side view. Dimensions for this model are 26.8 inches in width by 40 inches in length. The depth measures 6.8 inches. The base pipe is 1½ inches in diameter while the remaining pipes are 1 inch in diameter. Once again, these are the measurements/dimensions for this model. Other models are custom made to accommodate larger and longer rods.

FIG. 7 illustrates the Butlers telescopic ability to adjust to the length of the Fishing Rods. By pulling out or pushing in the Upper Holder Rest, the Butler will adjust to the length of the Fishing Rod

FIG. 8 demonstrates the rod holder in a “ready to ship” format. The upper holder rest section (7.3) simply connects to the corresponding side panel/leg (7.1 left and 7.5 right). Once connected, the three pieces connect to the lower holder holes section.(7.2). Those four aforementioned pieces all bolt together using the four bolts and wing nuts (7.4).

Reference Numerals

1 Fishing Rod Holder—Collapsed

2 Fishing Rod Holder—Erect

3.1 Rod Holder Holes and Straps

3.2 Rod Holder Holes and Straps

3.3 Rod Holder Holes and Straps

3.4 Rod Holder Holes and Straps

3.5 Rod Holder Holes and Straps

3.6 Rod Holder Rests and Tie Downs

3.7 Rod Holder Rests and Tie Downs

3.8 Rod Holder Rests and Tie Downs

3.9 Rod Holder Rests and Tie Downs

3.10 Rod Holder Rests and Tie Downs

3.11 Arm Strap

3.12 Padded Rests

3.13 Padded Rests

3.14 Padded Rests

3.15 Padded Rests

4.1 Holder Holes

4.2 Holder Holes

4.3 Holder Holes

4.4 Holder Holes

4.5 Holder Holes

4.6 Holder Rests

4.7 Holder Rests

4.8 Holder Rests

4.9 Holder Rests

4.10 Holder Rests

4.11 Non-Skid Rubber Feet

4.12 Non-Skid Rubber Feet

5.1 Rod Holder Anchor

5.2 Fish Measuring Tool

5.3 Rod Holder Cord

6 Rod Holder Dimension

7.1 Side Panel/Leg

7.5 Side Panel/Leg

7.3 Upper Holder Rest

7.2 Lower Holder Rest

7.4 Bolts and Wing Nuts

Operation

In operation one uses the Fishing Rod Holder in a normal manner. Additionally, the user can utilize other features that make the Holder serve several other purposes. In addition to holding fishing rods while fishing the Fishing Rod Holder serves as:

-   -   Transportation device for poles atop a vehicle     -   Carrying device to move poles to and from your favorite fishing         spot     -   A resting spot for poles while not in use     -   A rod holder while at the beach, lake or pier     -   A Storage device when the fishing trip is complete 

1. The Fishing Rod Holder allows fisherman to safely and economically transport their rods on the exterior of their vehicle Simply collapse the Fishing Pole Caddy (FIG. 3) and place it either in the bed of your truck or atop your car (FIG. 1), minivan or utility vehicle. With basic straps, tie-downs or bungee cords, the Fishing Pole Caddy will allow you to safely deliver your poles to the desired location. The padded rest (FIGS. 3.12, 3.13, 3.14, and 3.15) prevents damage to your vehicle while the Rod Holder Rests and Tie Downs (3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, and 3.10) and Rod Holder Holes and Straps (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, and 5); assure your equipment reaches your destination safely. Once there, the Arm Strap (FIG. 3.11) allows the user to transport up to 5 poles (at an approximate total weight of 15 lbs) while remaining hands free.
 2. In addition to a transport device, is the Rod Holder's ability to serve as a fishing rod holder while fishing or when at rest. No more carrying heavy iron rod holders or single PVC stake holders. The Anchor Strap (5.1) at the base allows for either a traditional stake designed for sand or soil; or a dock anchor that allows the Caddy to anchor to a dock or pier. The bases of the rods rest in the Rod Holder Holes (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5) while the upper portion of the rods rest in the Rod Holder Rests (4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, and 4.10). At the base of the holder are 3% inch drain holes laterally spaced approximately 8 inches apart. This allows poles to be rinsed and thoroughly drained after usage. Each leg is fitted with a non-slip foot (4.11 and 4.12) to prevent slipping and to reduce movement when in use. To ensure durability, each of the four pieces (FIG. 4) is attached using a stainless steel bolt and wing nut (7.4). 